by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, under the leadership of Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, has strongly condemned the horrific invasion of Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo and NTV Villages in Gashish and Ropp Districts of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area as well as in Bokkos LGA on Christmas Eve by unknown gunmen, which resulted in the senseless killing of not less than 40 innocent people, and the devastating loss of property worth millions of naira.
Middle-Belt News correspondent reports that, from information available, 9 persons were killed at NTV, 5 at Mai Yanga Sabo, 3 persons at Darwat and 1 person at Hurun, with Bokkos villages recording the highest deaths toll, while many were injured, food items looted and property destroyed.
A statement was signed by the BYM National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, and issued to newsmen on Monday in Jos.
“This act of terrorism led to the complete displacement of thousands of persons, which does not only demonstrate a blatant disregard for human life, but also seeks to undermine the peace and unity that are at the core of our nation’s values.”
The statement averred that, “On a day meant to celebrate love, compassion, and togetherness, the perpetrators of this dastardly act have brought untold agony, suffering and grief to the affected communities and surrounding communities in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
“The onslaught, followed by the invasion of Mangu and Bokkos on the 23rd day of December, 2023, claiming 22 persons, explicitly depicts the mission of the marauders to consistently maim lives and mar the Yuletide they have long planned – that, ‘Plateau would be subjected to a “mother-of- all-attacks” ever witnessed, which is currently being executed.
“The BYM extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those, who lost their lives, in this senseless act.
“We also wish to assure the affected communities that we stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time, and will continue to advocate for justice and accountability.”
BYM urges the government and relevant authorities not only to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, identify those responsible and bring them to justice, but to swiftly come up with palliative packages as well as compensation for the victims – just as it was recently accorded the Kaduna victims of bombings.
The BYM also urge the government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety and security of all citizens devoid of ethnic or religious background.
They also called on the International Community to add its voice to the genocide on the Plateau, which has been unabated for years.
“The BYM also urged all Plateau sons and daughters to put aside their differences and come together to resist terrorist elements that have taken over our ancestral lands, turning same to terrorist enclaves wherefrom armed bandits have been brought and stationed to continue with the mission of annihilation, ethnic cleansing and kidnapping, among others.
“We must also recognize that the ongoing crisis in our dear State requires a holistic approach, which would aid in addressing the root causes of the invasion, otherwise there won’t be peace and sustainable development as well as social cohesion.
“The Berom nation wants to reiterate its commitment to upholding the principles of human dignity, equality, and justice, and pledge to continue working with security personnel and all government agencies to ensure the promotion of peace and unity in our state.”